It is with deepest affection that the Kansas City Rose Society is pleased to honor Norma as the Wine & Roses honorary chair for her lifelong contributions Kansas City Rose Society.

​Norma Sutherland admits that moving to Kansas City from the dust bowl of Eastern Colorado presented her with a wonderful opportunity as a gardener. “The climate was so conducive to gardening that plants not only flourished they grew BIG. “Thus began Norma's lifelong gardening journey on the 60 acre farm she and her husband Dwight had purchased in Johnson County. She began by developing perennial beds filled with iris, peonies, roses, lilies, daisies, and flowering trees and shrubs. She cultivated vegetable and herb gardens, harvested, pickled and canned. Forcing bulbs was a favorite activity to introduce spring earlier and to yield lovely floral arrangements. Norma established a green house and conservatory for her more exotic plants, especially orchids and bougainvillea.

To enhance her gardening knowledge she joined the Westport Garden Club and served in many capacities including President. She was on the National Board of the Garden Clubs of America and with her friend Susie Vawter represented the United States at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, England in 1996. The result was a much coveted bronze medal. Soon after, the invitation arrived to represent the state of Kansas at the Philadelphia Flower Show. The impact of the unique Midwestern presentation of tumbleweeds, wheat and sunflowers made the display one of the most popular in the show.

Along the way Norma studied and qualified as an official judge in both horticulture and floral arranging and judged in many flower shows throughout the country.

The Kansas City gardening community has always appreciated Norma's support and as a lifetime member of the Kansas City Rose Society she continues to share not only her garden but her expertise. She often says “don't you think gardeners love to teach?” as she invites you to sit and view her very own slide presentation of her gardening adventures throughout the years.